Iconic Southampton Old Boathouse to Rise Again

It seemed untouchable. The iconic, beautifully abandoned boathouse in Southampton that was once the subject of many an artist’s eye was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, but plans are in the works for it to rise again.

Owners Joe and Diana DiMenna presented plans to rebuild the boathouse to the Southampton Town Trustees this week, though no formal application has been filed yet.

The owners appeared before the trustees to get feedback. “[Trustee] Ed Warner liked the idea,” confirmed President Eric Schultz in a phone interview, noting that no other member has weighed in on the project yet.

A longtime icon on Meadow Lane in Southampton, just west of Coopers Beach, the destruction of the boathouse was one of the most tangible effects of Sandy on the East End. If the process proceeds, the boathouse will be rebuilt to mimic the design and feel of the original, though all new material will be used. The DiMennas hope to use it to store small boats.